How to Make Humorous Wedding Toasts a Success
When it comes to humorous wedding toasts, there is a certain order of doing things that will make your toast a success.
First, let’s talk a little about the…
History of a Toast
Back in the sixth Century B.C., the Greeks would pour the wine from a common pitcher when there was a gathering. The host would take a drink from his glass first to ensure his guest that there was no poison placed in the wine. Spiking the drinks was common in order to silence their enemies and even to prevent a messy divorce!
In the 1800’s until present day the toast is a common act done as a gesture of good faith to wish health and happiness to the guests attending the special occasion at hand.
A wedding is the perfect time to deliver humorous wedding toasts as the mood is joyous and light. Everyone is filled with well wishes for the bride and groom.
So what will ensure the success of your toast?
Knowledge of these tips will help alleviate your fears and give you the confidence that you are following…
Proper Etiquette of a Toast
The best man is traditionally the one who makes the first speech and will have his glass filled last. Before making your toast, make sure that all the glasses of the guests are filled.
The proper order of the pouring will always start with the bride, then the groom, then the maid of honor, then all parents of the bride and groom, and the best man receives his last.
Hold your glass in the right hand and extend it straight out from the right shoulder. This gesture is done to show that you have come in friendship and peace. After humorous wedding toasts, it should always end with an indication to all guests to repeat the last line of the toast. For an example, “Please join me in wishing the happy new couple many wonderful years to come. To the bride and groom.” At that point, the first sip of champagne should be taken.
Additional Tips:
- Don’t make your toast last a long time, keep it at around 3-5 minutes long and maintain eye contact with the bride and groom as you deliver it.
- Stand and deliver! A toast is traditionally given while standing.
- Make sure all the glasses are full before you begin.
- Introduce yourself and your relationship to the bride and groom. Guests may not know who you are.
- Use personal stories such as how the bride and groom met or how you met either of them, if you’re not a relative.
- Keep characteristic descriptions short. Hit the high points in few words, i.e., she’s lovely, vivacious and kind.
- Use tasteful humor and don’t do “in” jokes that only a few will get. You want to make sure to include everyone, not exclude them.
- Stay PG-rated. This is just good taste and if there are children present it is important to make sure to do not offend anyone.
- Even with humorous wedding toasts you should end on a serious note. Finish with a wish, a blessing, cheers! or congratulations. “To the bridge and groom” always works.
- Always practice your toast beforehand, a lot! This is not the time to “wing it”.
- Whatever you do, do not mention past girlfriends, past marriage, or past relationships. That’s what the stag party is for.
- Never end with something negative which may slip into your mind such as “And I hope theirs doesn’t end in divorce like mine did.”
Follow these tips and create the perfect humorous wedding toasts and practice, practice, practice!
One more thing…
Breath, slow down, and don’t forget to have fun! 
-
Wedding toasts are already surrounded by the aura of tradition since they have come in the... Read Full Story » -
Humorous wedding toasts can transform a speech from awkward silence to a room full of laughter... Read Full Story »
